Outdated Millennial Decorating Trends That Make Younger People Shake Their Heads

In interior design, trends are cyclical: what’s in style will go out of fashion — only to eventually come back around and be cool again! It’s just a matter of time. At the moment, though, these are the millennial design trends that Gen Z has decided are too cringeworthy to be considered cool. The youth have spoken, people. But we wonder how many years it will be before these trends become fashionable again!

1. The traditional farmhouse style

Does your house feature shiplap, lots of windows, large minimalist black-and-white areas, and carriage-style garage doors? If so, you’re probably a millennial! You probably love shows like Fixer Upper and have a living space inspired by a traditional farmhouse, just like Joanna Gaines. According to Gen Z interior designer Emily Shaw, though, this is just too simple and emotionless. She told website Insider, “We’re starting to move into something that’s not so straightforward, so it can be much more personalized to each person.” 

2. Mid-century modern furniture

Everyone thinks mid-century furniture is cool again right? We hate to break it to you, but maybe not anymore. As long ago as 2016, author Kelsey Campbell-Dollaghan claimed that it had become the “pumpkin spice latte of the design world.” Ouch! This was a dagger to the heart of millennials, who love the sturdy, clean-lined simplicity of this style. But it sounds like this trend may be a bit overdone at this point, especially if you’re a Gen Z-er.

3. Mirrored furniture

A wardrobe that also doubles as a mirror? What’s not to like? According to some experts, this fun furniture style might not be to the taste of younger generations. Tap Warehouse designer Dom Lees-Bell told Grazia magazine, “Mirrored furniture was a popular furniture staple in the 1980s, [and] the trend has had a revival in the last few years. The trend fits a very glam aesthetic, which may be a bit over-the-top for the younger generation, with them naming the furniture outdated. So, if you want to impress Gen Z, use mirrors as decorative pieces rather than furniture.”

4. Chalkboard painted walls

Turning a feature wall into an oversized chalkboard is a pretty fun idea, especially if you have kids. They can draw on it to their hearts’ content, and then you can simply wipe that bad boy clean! Yet Gen Z apparnetly thinks this unique look is something only millennials like — at least according to Buzzfeed user crimsonbutterfly. They posted, “The realtors did this in our kitchen to stage our home when my parents sold it in 2014. Looked ugly and seemed so pointless and messy.”